Basketball Pick: Michigan State vs. Iowa

The Michigan State Spartans and Iowa Hawkeyes meet Tuesday night in a game that has some major implications in the Big Ten standings. Michigan State has just one loss in the Big Ten. Iowa has two close losses on the road. They are both fighting to keep pace with the Michigan Wolverines, who are unbeaten to this point in the league. Expect a hard fought battle in Iowa City Tuesday night.

Game Overview:

The Michigan State Spartans had very high expectations this year. Michigan State was actually the number one ranked team in many preseason rankings. Tom Izzo’s team enters this game at 18-2, but there are some definite issues for the team from East Lansing. Adreian Payne is one of the best forwards in the country, but he is out with an injury right now. He has missed the last few games, and Michigan State isn’t the same without him on the floor. Now, Branden Dawson has gone done with an injury. Dawson broke his hand reportedly smashing his hand during a film session. The strange injury is sidelining the Spartans best rebounder and one of their most important players.

Michigan State was punched in the mouth by Michigan late in the game last week, and the Spartans didn’t respond very well. The Wolverines went on a 10-0 run that ended up winning the game at the Breslin Center for the visiting team. Izzo was disappointed after the game with the effort of his team. Michigan State allowed Michigan to knock down 11 out of 19 three-point jumpers in Saturday’s loss.

The Iowa Hawkeyes weren’t talked about enough in the preseason. Most didn’t think Fran McCaffrey’s team deserved to be in the talk for the Big Ten title, but they are proving they do. The Hawkeyes have tough losses at Wisconsin and Michigan, but they also have an impressive win at Ohio State. This Iowa team is averaging more than 86 points per game, and they are capable of beating anyone in the Big Ten. McCaffrey’s team doesn’t play the typical slow it down style of most Big Ten teams, rather they like to get out and run. That style makes them a difficult team to prepare for in this rugged conference.

Iowa is well-known for their offense at this point, but don’t forget about this team’s ability to guard. Opponents are shooting less than 38% from the floor against the Hawkeyes this season. If Iowa keeps playing this kind of defense, they are a team that could be a dark horse to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Free Pick: Iowa -5.5

Michigan State’s in a tough spot here. The Spartans aren’t at full strength, and Iowa has been waiting for this game for a long time. Iowa narrowly missed upsetting Michigan State twice last year. The Hawkeyes will get it done this team, and I think they cover the number.

Kyle Hunter

is full-timesports writer and sports handicapper. You simply won’t find someone who loves sports more than Kyle. Kyle considers college football and college basketball his two favorite sports. Kyle has earned many accolades for his highly successful handicapping, and he writes full-time for many top sports websites. Keep an eye out for high quality free sports analysis from Kyle!